5-Minute Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Recipe

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A dip doesn’t need to be complicated to absolutely delicious. This easy shrimp cocktail dip takes just 5 minutes and 4 ingredients. You’re going to crave this simple appetizer, and your guests are going to request it over and over again. Of course, I made a batch and enjoyed it for lunch all week long.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make shrimp cocktail dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, good enough to eat as a meal. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 1 8oz package cream cheese (softed)
  • 1 12 oz bottle cocktail sauce
  • 1 ½ cups mini cooked cocktail shrimp (without tails, pelled and deveined)
  • 1 lemon

ingredient information:

  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Cocktail sauce: Choose your favorite brand of cocktail sauce and level of heat. You can also make your own by combining ketchup and horse radish.
  • Mini cocktail shrimp: I found these itty bitty shrimp in a bag labeled “salad shrimp”. And if you can’t find those in your store, dice up some standard cocktail shrimp.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you some other dips that turn it into a party.

  1. Place the softed cream cheese on a plate and spread out with the back of a spoon.
  2. Pour the cocktail sauce over the cream cheese.
  3. Drain and pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then spread the mini cocktail shrimp on top.
  4. Squeeze on the juice of half a lemon.
  5. Dice the remaining lemon half into little triangles and use as garnish.
  6. Optional: Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill.
  • spreading cream cheese on a serving platter
  • adding cocktail sauce on top of cream cheese
  • adding mini cocktail shrimp to cream cheese and cocktail sauce to create a dip
  • Garnishing the shrimp cocktail dip with small wedges of lemon
  • Easy 5-minute shrimp cocktail dip with a lemon garnish and served on a cracker

my recipe tips

  • Don’t be shy: Use an amount of lemon that might seem like too much. It really doesn’t give the shrimp a bright flavor that pairs well with the heat of the cocktail sauce and creaminess of the cream cheese.
  • Other additions: There are more flavors that pair with this dip that you can add to the recipe. For example, add some fresh herbs, like dill, parsley or lemon basil. You could also add one of my favorite ingredients, capers. For extra crunch, add some diced celery. Try adding scallions for color and flavor.
  • Spice it up: Cocktail sauce is already a bit spicy on its own, but if you want to amp up the heat you can also add some hot sauce. You can also garnish with a few red pepper flakes.
  • Don’t forget: Since you will likely buy your shrimp frozen, keep it in the fridge overnight to give it time to defrost before time to serve this dip.

recipe video

https://youtu.be/Ek-LMHGl9dw

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious shrimp cocktail dip, but our favorite is Wheat Thins. You can also just use chunks of rustic bread, other types of crackers, garlic toasties, bagel chips or tortilla chips. For a healthier dipper, use some celery sticks.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this baked artichoke dip or this tropical fruit dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

DATE NIGHT DIP

This is the kind of dip that I like to create for a cozy night in with the hubby. It goes together quickly and easily. Plus, the serving size is small, and it’s a light dip that we can enjoy without guilt that we’ll regret the calories the next day. Pair it with your favorite drink, like the super fun dirty sodas and other amazing mixed drinks over on Instagram with @ashleylaurentassano. Add a good movie, and you have the perfect date night in.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: There’s no need to prepare this dip in advance since it goes together in just a few minutes. You can have the little lemon wedges ready to go ahead of time though.

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